Cancer waiting times user guide
The Cancer Waiting Times system allows NHS providers to submit data on referrals, first outpatient appointments, diagnosis and treatments derived from patient care activity.
This data is used to monitor performance against operational standards for cancer waiting times and aid service improvement.
Purpose
The Cancer Waiting Times system allows NHS providers to submit data on referrals, first outpatient appointments, diagnosis and treatments derived from patient care activity.
This data is used to monitor performance against operational standards for cancer waiting times and aid service improvement.
The data is made available (at appropriate security and aggregation levels) in online reports and query tools to NHS Trusts, commissioning ICBs, Cancer Alliances, and NHS England.
The Cancer Waiting Times system uses the National Cancer Waiting Times Monitoring Data Set – version 2.1 which went live on 1 August 2020.
Scope
This guidance has been written to provide users of the CWT system with a reference guide to the system’s functionality.
It includes how-to guides for IPT, preview, downloading individual records, reports and extract downloads for Cancer Alliance users.
Last edited: 10 November 2026 9:31 am